|
|
|
|
|
|
chamber where I do my accounts. When you have finished your letter, I will give you the key to the chest, and Father Francis will show you how to use the seal." |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
"Will you read my letter?" |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
"Not unless you show it to me and desire that I read it. It is impolite, even dishonest, to read other people's letters, except by their leave." |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Adam turned and started away, then came back. "Will youwill you mind if I do not show it to you?" he asked hesitantly. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
"Of course not, dear heart," Alinor said, bending and kissing him quickly. He was a good, kind child in spite of his deviltry. "I know that men have things to say to each other that women do not need to know or understand." |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ian, Alinor thought, watching Adam tear across the hall in the direction where Father Francis was most likely to be found. His name was a talisman. Everything, even convincing Adam to do his lessons, was made easy at once by it. Yes, and if I do not bestir myself, her thoughts continued, his name will be as black as mine in the eyes of the king. Alinor called a manservant and told him to summon her chief huntsman to her at once. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The man was near 20 years older than the last time Alinor had set him a task far outside his normal duties, but he did not look much different. The hair had always been very pale; now it was white. The naturally fair skin had long ago been weathered into leather that seemed near imperishable. Perhaps there were more wrinkles and seams now in his face, but it was hard to tell. What was important was that the same intelligence gleamed from the bright blue eyes in the broad countenance. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
"Will the lord hunt tomorrow, lady?" he asked eagerly as he bobbed a sketchy bow. "It is long and long since my men had work." |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
"He hunts two-legged game for a time, huntsman, |
|
|
|
|
|